Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
I appreciate the Lord and how He allows me to “see” in situations and circumstances with clarity now, whether it's immediately or sometime later. How it relates at times, why it relates; when it connects or what is relevant or not. Because we are human, we sometimes get off track. We think too much and with our heart, we base our emotions. There are many things that are vying or contending for our heart, because this is the center of control for us and our life.
This morning, I had the opportunity to sit in court, while awaiting the judge for a ticket wrongly sent because of the city’s faulty and imperfect equipment; clearly understanding that the man or woman who reviewed the photos didn't know about the faulty equipment nor could they see it in the photos. Since the court system is new to me and I was irritated by the lack of respect for the people attending court. The signs were posted that the court opens at 8:30 am, although the doors swung opened closer to 8:45. Employees dragging in with food and coffee, along with the hustle and bustle of unpreparedness for their daily routine assignments exhibiting tardiness, slothfulness, attitudes, lack of concern and a look of being annoyed. Not to mention, there were definitely some with control issues and yes, all were officers of the court. The judge, old and gray, finally came in cranky and snappy at 9:45. I was wowed by the drama before me and kept thinking this is our justice system. I could feel myself wanting to complain, and my heart and mind had spun off into a whirlwind as I sat there observing. However, fortunate for me, God sent a young man to sit down next to me; he smiled and spoke. He then began to do some idle talking and then handed out bookmarks that spoke of Christ. He asked me minutes later if I had patience along with a look to accompany the question. I told him yes, I do, but patience was not the issue at the moment. Yet, his words helped me instantly to get my heart and mind back on track and not allow other people’s issues to disturb my peace or the person I am in Christ. The scripture tells us, “and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7). I patiently waited as the morning progressed with the joy of the Lord that really is my strength and my strong tower.
We live in a world full of imperfections, equipment that won't operate correctly, and folks with issues and character flaws. There is only peace and perfection in Christ and we must strive for that. We must realize that we will not be perfect till we reach heaven. Until such time, we must guard our hearts and allow it to guide and direct all that we do and in every situation, circumstance or setting. Every word that proceeds out of our mouth starts in the heart (Matt 15:18). All of our actions and choices are made there first. Our heart is the source and center of our emotional life; it’s where the deepest and sincerest feelings are found and where we are most vulnerable to pain, hurt and harm. When your heart hurts you experience pain like none other.
This scripture teaches us that the heart is the control center; our life is a reflection of our heart. Our heart is the well from which all the issues of life gush forth and because the heart is our storage for of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects our life and shapes our character. We have to set our hearts on things above and not set them upon the things of this earth. Keeping our heart and mind, keeps our relationship in alignment with the Lord. Our relationship with Him is important and significant for our growth as His children. Therefore, we must diligently guard our hearts and watch over them. Our hearts should follow hard after the things of God so that we don’t get easily distracted by the things of the world.
Let's encourage one another and remind each other, as the young man unknowingly did this morning for me to guard my heart and mind, to live a life of faith, as well as remembering that He will keep us in perfect peace, if we keep our mind stayed on Him (Is 26:3), also remembering that we serve the one true and living God who is in control of all things, even in the courtroom.
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
I appreciate the Lord and how He allows me to “see” in situations and circumstances with clarity now, whether it's immediately or sometime later. How it relates at times, why it relates; when it connects or what is relevant or not. Because we are human, we sometimes get off track. We think too much and with our heart, we base our emotions. There are many things that are vying or contending for our heart, because this is the center of control for us and our life.
This morning, I had the opportunity to sit in court, while awaiting the judge for a ticket wrongly sent because of the city’s faulty and imperfect equipment; clearly understanding that the man or woman who reviewed the photos didn't know about the faulty equipment nor could they see it in the photos. Since the court system is new to me and I was irritated by the lack of respect for the people attending court. The signs were posted that the court opens at 8:30 am, although the doors swung opened closer to 8:45. Employees dragging in with food and coffee, along with the hustle and bustle of unpreparedness for their daily routine assignments exhibiting tardiness, slothfulness, attitudes, lack of concern and a look of being annoyed. Not to mention, there were definitely some with control issues and yes, all were officers of the court. The judge, old and gray, finally came in cranky and snappy at 9:45. I was wowed by the drama before me and kept thinking this is our justice system. I could feel myself wanting to complain, and my heart and mind had spun off into a whirlwind as I sat there observing. However, fortunate for me, God sent a young man to sit down next to me; he smiled and spoke. He then began to do some idle talking and then handed out bookmarks that spoke of Christ. He asked me minutes later if I had patience along with a look to accompany the question. I told him yes, I do, but patience was not the issue at the moment. Yet, his words helped me instantly to get my heart and mind back on track and not allow other people’s issues to disturb my peace or the person I am in Christ. The scripture tells us, “and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7). I patiently waited as the morning progressed with the joy of the Lord that really is my strength and my strong tower.
We live in a world full of imperfections, equipment that won't operate correctly, and folks with issues and character flaws. There is only peace and perfection in Christ and we must strive for that. We must realize that we will not be perfect till we reach heaven. Until such time, we must guard our hearts and allow it to guide and direct all that we do and in every situation, circumstance or setting. Every word that proceeds out of our mouth starts in the heart (Matt 15:18). All of our actions and choices are made there first. Our heart is the source and center of our emotional life; it’s where the deepest and sincerest feelings are found and where we are most vulnerable to pain, hurt and harm. When your heart hurts you experience pain like none other.
This scripture teaches us that the heart is the control center; our life is a reflection of our heart. Our heart is the well from which all the issues of life gush forth and because the heart is our storage for of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects our life and shapes our character. We have to set our hearts on things above and not set them upon the things of this earth. Keeping our heart and mind, keeps our relationship in alignment with the Lord. Our relationship with Him is important and significant for our growth as His children. Therefore, we must diligently guard our hearts and watch over them. Our hearts should follow hard after the things of God so that we don’t get easily distracted by the things of the world.
Let's encourage one another and remind each other, as the young man unknowingly did this morning for me to guard my heart and mind, to live a life of faith, as well as remembering that He will keep us in perfect peace, if we keep our mind stayed on Him (Is 26:3), also remembering that we serve the one true and living God who is in control of all things, even in the courtroom.
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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